Here we go again, another Mac OS release, most likely in the fall. Unfortunately, many folks consistently rush to install the initial version, and have issues. Here is how I go about such an "upgrade":
1. First, the following Macs can be upgraded to OS 11.x:
3. This link is very helpful regarding the status of such compatibility of applications:
roaringapps.com
Note there is no column yet for Big Sur. That's fine, as again, it's way too early.
4. Unless there is something one "must have" with OS 11.x, it is always wise to wait until at least a couple of subsequent releases come out. Myself, I suspect Tech Tool Pro, one of my critical applications, will be the last one to have a BIg Sur version available, and based on recent history, that will most likely be after the 3rd version of Big Sur is released. That's fine by me, as I see nothing I must have with OS 11.x. Catalina will be fine.
5. Finally, there is the question of how to "upgrade". And given this is a brand new "numbered" version of the Mac OS, that could impact the upgrade process. Myself, I always do a clean, fresh installation of the new OS, and then migrate/copy needed files, folders, settings, etc. from a just completed SuperDuper! backup.
1. First, the following Macs can be upgraded to OS 11.x:
- MacBook: 2015 and later
- MacBook Air: 2013 and later
- MacBook Pro: Late 2013 and later
- Mac mini: 2014 and later
- iMac: 2014 and later
- iMac Pro: 2017 and later
- Mac Pro: 2013 and later
3. This link is very helpful regarding the status of such compatibility of applications:
Application Compatibility Table — RoaringApps
Crowd-sourced application compatibility for macOS, iOS and Windows.

Note there is no column yet for Big Sur. That's fine, as again, it's way too early.
4. Unless there is something one "must have" with OS 11.x, it is always wise to wait until at least a couple of subsequent releases come out. Myself, I suspect Tech Tool Pro, one of my critical applications, will be the last one to have a BIg Sur version available, and based on recent history, that will most likely be after the 3rd version of Big Sur is released. That's fine by me, as I see nothing I must have with OS 11.x. Catalina will be fine.
5. Finally, there is the question of how to "upgrade". And given this is a brand new "numbered" version of the Mac OS, that could impact the upgrade process. Myself, I always do a clean, fresh installation of the new OS, and then migrate/copy needed files, folders, settings, etc. from a just completed SuperDuper! backup.
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